An exploratory test of a couples-based condom-use intervention designed to promote pleasurable and safer penile–vaginal sex among university students

Abstract

Objective: Dual use of male condoms and female contraceptives is widely advocated for unplanned pregnancy prevention, yet college students often neglect condoms. This feasibility and acceptability study assessed the efficacy of a self-guided home-based condom-promotion intervention among college students in heterosexual relationships. Participants: Fifty-nine couples who had been together at least 30 days and had penile–vaginal sex at least twice weekly. Methods: Assessments were done at baseline and 6 months later. Outcomes were frequency of condom-unprotected penile–vaginal sex and four psychosocial mediators of condom use. Results: Frequency of unprotected penile–vaginal sex decreased over time. Several corresponding psychosocial mediators showed change, particularly among women. Using actor–partner interdependence modeling, men’s increase in condom use was associated with an increase in women’s sexual pleasure. Conclusion: Findings support implementation of a brief, self-guided, home-based condom-use intervention that could lower incidence of unplanned pregnancy and STIs among heterosexually active college students.